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Natural Monuments

Ka Lae (South Point)

Natural Monuments

Ka Lae (South Point)

Highlight • Viewpoint

Ka Lae (South Point)

Recommended by 6 hikers out of 8

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Location: Hawaiʻi County, United States

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Best Hikes to Ka Lae (South Point)

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1. Ka Lae (South Point) — Hawaiʻi Island

928m

00:14

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

5.0

(7)

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2. Ship propeller at Kaulana Bay – Kaulana Bay coastline loop from Puʻuʻulaʻula

16.0km

04:09

100m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

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3. Ka Lae (South Point) – Shave Ice Shack loop from South Point Complex

4.99km

01:17

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Tips

Daniel Krueger

October 10, 2023

Ka Lae (Hawaiian for 'the point') is the southernmost point of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, and therefore also the southernmost point of the United States of America. Even though there is no highlight at this location, it feels like a special spot. And the cliffs, waves and corals along the beach are certainly worth a visit.

JR56

December 4, 2024

Ka Lae (Hawaiian for "the tip"), also known as South Point, is the southernmost point of Big Island in the state of Hawaii. This makes it the southernmost point of the 50 states of the United States of America.

Ka Lae is most likely the site of the oldest Polynesian settlement on the Hawaiian archipelago. In the area of the National Historic Landmark District known as the South Point Complex, which the area was declared a National Historic Landmark District on December 29, 1962, there are numerous Polynesian burial sites. On October 15, 1966, Ka Lae was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a Historic District.

The confluence of various currents ensures a species-rich and extensive marine fauna, particularly the occurrence of Ulua, which belong to the group of jacks, and Pacific redfish. Hawksbill turtles are often found in the area of the cliffs, some of which use the nearby beaches to lay their eggs, and occasionally Hawaiian monk seals use the rocks to sunbathe.

As the constant strong wind prevents larger plants from settling on land, the flora is characterized by extensive grasslands; larger land animals are not found.
The currents of the Pacific garbage patch and the inaccessibility of the cliffs also mean that this stretch of coast is considered one of the most polluted in the entire USA.

Ka Lae can be reached via the paved, approximately 30-kilometer-long South Point Road from Hawai'i State Route 11. To do this, leave the main road about nine kilometers east of the town of Hawaiian Ocean View. Near Puʻu Nanaia, there is a lookout point on the highway that offers a view of the cape and the nearby wind farm.
About one kilometer east of the cape, the Kaulana Ramp offers access from the sea.

de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ka_Lae

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Micha

September 17, 2023

The southernmost point of the United States of America. Certainly not worth it because of the lighthouse... but the cliffs, high waves, coral beaches and the green sand beach are definitely highlights 👍🏻

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Sunday 18 January

28°C

19°C

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Max wind speed: 37.0 km/h

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See hikes here

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Location: Hawaiʻi County, United States

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Papakōlea Beach (Green Sand Beach)

South Point Cliff Dive

Kaulana Bay Coastline

Pu’u o Lokuana Trail

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

Kauila and the Sea Turtles of Punalu'u Monument

Lower Kona Trail

Ship Propeller at Kaulana Bay

Puʻu Aliʻi Burial Site

Hōlei Sea Arch

Shave Ice Shack

Wind Blown Tree

Ka Lae (South Point)

1. Ka Lae (South Point) — Hawaiʻi Island

2. Ship propeller at Kaulana Bay – Kaulana Bay coastline loop from Puʻuʻulaʻula

3. Ka Lae (South Point) – Shave Ice Shack loop from South Point Complex

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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